What Does Not a Protected Veteran Mean?
The term "protected veteran" is often used in the context of employment and hiring practices in the United States. However, many people are unsure what it means to be a protected veteran or what it means to not be a protected veteran. In this article, we will explore the definition of a protected veteran and what it means to not be a protected veteran.
Definition of a Protected Veteran
According to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a protected veteran is an individual who has served in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. This includes individuals who have served in the military and have been honorably discharged, as well as those who are currently serving on active duty.
What Does Not a Protected Veteran Mean?
Not all veterans are protected veterans under the law. To be considered a protected veteran, an individual must have served in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and must have been honorably discharged or be currently serving on active duty. If an individual has been dishonorably discharged or has not completed their service, they would not be considered a protected veteran.
Types of Protected Veterans
There are several types of protected veterans, including:
- Active Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veterans: This includes individuals who are currently serving on active duty in the Armed Forces and have received a campaign badge or medal for their service.
- Active Duty Recent Veterans: This includes individuals who have served on active duty in the Armed Forces in the past 12 months.
- Armed Forces Service Medal Veterans: This includes individuals who have received the Armed Forces Service Medal for their service.
- Former Public Health Service Officers: This includes individuals who have served in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
- Former NOAA Commissioned Officers: This includes individuals who have served in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.
What Does Not a Protected Veteran Mean? (Cont.)
Not all individuals who have served in the military are protected veterans. For example:
- Individuals who have been dishonorably discharged: If an individual has been dishonorably discharged from the military, they are not considered a protected veteran.
- Individuals who have not completed their service: If an individual has not completed their military service, they are not considered a protected veteran.
- Individuals who have served in the Coast Guard: While the Coast Guard is part of the Armed Forces, individuals who have served in the Coast Guard are not considered protected veterans under the law.
Table: Types of Protected Veterans
Type of Protected Veteran | Description |
---|---|
Active Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veterans | Currently serving on active duty in the Armed Forces and have received a campaign badge or medal for their service. |
Active Duty Recent Veterans | Served on active duty in the Armed Forces in the past 12 months. |
Armed Forces Service Medal Veterans | Received the Armed Forces Service Medal for their service. |
Former Public Health Service Officers | Served in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. |
Former NOAA Commissioned Officers | Served in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, a protected veteran is an individual who has served in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and has been honorably discharged or is currently serving on active duty. Not all veterans are protected veterans, and there are specific types of protected veterans who are eligible for certain benefits and protections under the law. It is important for individuals to understand what it means to be a protected veteran and what it means to not be a protected veteran in order to make informed decisions about their employment and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the difference between a protected veteran and a veteran?
A: A protected veteran is an individual who has served in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and has been honorably discharged or is currently serving on active duty. A veteran is a broader term that includes all individuals who have served in the military, regardless of their discharge status. - Q: Can I still be a protected veteran if I was dishonorably discharged?
A: No, if you were dishonorably discharged from the military, you are not considered a protected veteran. - Q: How do I know if I am a protected veteran?
A: You can check with your military personnel record or your discharge paperwork to see if you are a protected veteran. You can also contact the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for more information.
References
- United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). Protected Veterans. Retrieved from https://www.eeoc.gov/employees/protected-veterans
- Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). What is a Protected Veteran? Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/protected-veterans/